Learning Artificial Insemination

Supervised instruction and guidance are essential because without adequate training, valuable AI equipment and semen could be seriously damaged. In order to ensure high fertility, frozen semen requires very special storage and handling techniques. Adequate training is also essential to minimize risk of injury to either a valuable animal or to yourself.

AI Training Schools are available from several semen suppliers. The objective of these schools is to teach the skills required to handle semen, inseminate cows, and manage a successful AI program. Three basic areas of instruction should be provided by AI
Training Schools including:

1. Insemination technique, developing through live animal practice, the ability to skillfully and accurately place semen at the proper location within the reproductive tract using sanitary and correct techniques.

2. Semen handling, developing through practice, the ability to properly handle, thaw and prepare semen for insemination, according to the recommendations of semen-producing organizations.

3. Reproductive management training in the importance of heat detection, herd health, and total herd management for the development and continued success of an AI program.

The National Association of Animal Breeders (NAAB) is an association of companies that service the artificial insemination business. NAAB has recommended minimum standards for AI Training Schools. Address inquiries to: Technical Director, National Association of Animal Breeders, P.O. Box 1033, Columbia, MO 65205. A potential student should ask if the school considered meets the following recommendations:

1. Six hours of live cow insemination practice done over a minimum of three separate sessions.
2. At least two cows per student per course, with each student having access to a minimum of ten practice cows.
3. A maximum of eight students per instructor.

Do not expect an AI Training School to do it all for you. Supervised training is just the beginning; after that, continuous practice is necessary to fully develop the required skills.

Source:
Artificial Insemination for Beef Cattle
EDITED BY Glenn Selk
Extension Animal Reproduction Specialist

N.B. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Fact Sheets are also available on our website at:
http://www.osuextra.com